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With quality, affordable care a scarce commodity, family members often assume responsibility for the day-to-day care of a loved one. “On call” 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, they sacrifice their own needs to meet those of their loved one, and experience greater frustration, exhaustion, stress, and illness than non-caregivers.
To ease the burden on caregivers, and “give back” to our members for their support, the Chapter offers a popular respite care program
What is Respite Care?
An opportunity forcare partners to have “time out” to take care of their own needs while someone else attends to the needs of the person with Parkinson’s. The program provides up to $500 per year in subsidies to help member families pay for short term in-home help, day care, or residential care.
Who Is Eligible?
Dues paying members of the APDA Midwest Chapter living in Illinois and Northern Indiana. Dues are $15 per year per family.
How do I Apply?
Call the Midwest Chapter office at (847) 724-7087 or email apdamidwest@aol.com for more information.
Response to the respite care program is overwhelmingly positive, as exemplified by this thank you note:
“A heartfelt note of gratitude for being our light house in the storm. Your generous check gave us much needed time out and is deeply appreciated.”
Over the last 5 years, the Chapter has paid out more than $60,000 to make respite care more affordable to members who need it. Funds come from:
- The Chapter’s annual Parkinson Open golf outing, which raised $8,000 in 2007.
- Community organizations’ donations earmarked for respite.
- Gifts of cash or stock designated for respite.
“Donations earmarked for respite directly benefit our members,” says Mary Wesley, Chapter treasurer.
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